Assistance Animal Owners' Responsibilities

Individuals with disabilities using an assistance animal in UM Housing's housing facilities are responsible for their animal at all times and must comply with the following policy.

  • The individual must be in full control of the animal at all times.
  • Ensure that animals are on a leash at all times.
  • Be responsible for the animal’s behavior in private and public places and due care and diligence in using the animal on campus.
  • Be responsible for any property damage caused by the animal.
  • Clean up after the animal, including the sanitary disposal of animal wastes.
  • Use of the animal shall not constitute a direct threat to the health and safety of others.
  • Ensure that dogs are licensed following Missoula City and County regulations and wear a valid vaccination tag.
  • Be responsible for the health of the animal and must provide verification from a qualified veterinarian that all vaccinations appropriate for that type of animal are current.
  • If the owners/users obtain a new assistance animal, they must notify UM Housing and the Office for Disability Equity.

Exclusion of assistance animals

  • The use of an assistance animal is only for University Housing. However, the animal is not allowed in common housing areas such as laundry rooms, community centers, study lounges, and lobbies. It will also be excluded from non-housing facilities such as classrooms, libraries, and dining facilities.
  • An assistance animal will be excluded from University Housing if that animal poses a direct threat to the health and safety of others or conflicts with a service animal.
  • An assistance animal will be excluded from University Housing if that animal’s behavior, such as barking or displaying aggressive behavior, is disruptive to the other participants within the facility. 

If the owner fails to comply with these provisions, the owner will be considered as violating the Student Conduct Code and UM Housing’s policies. The owner will be required to remove the animal from University housing by UM Housing.

The University regards retroactive requests for assistance animals as unreasonable and, therefore may deny such requests.